Rock Rippability Assessment

We have recently completed combined geophysical surveys on the hillside above the A83 trunk road near the Rest and Be Thankful in Argyll. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was undertaken across the slope to give an initial idea of rockhead position before we undertook combined seismic refraction and MASW surveys at two locations.

By determining both the p-wave and s-wave velocities of the bedrock, engineering properties can be determined and a rippability assessment made. The survey locations were located at the upslope extent of two proposed landslide catch pits, much like others that have been conducted on the same stretch of road.